Woman Compensated For Burst Implant

A 45-year-old woman who travelled to Tunisia for breast enhancement surgery has successfully claimed compensation after one of the implants exploded.

Alison Chapman, from Hedge End near Southampton, said that she had suffered a ''horrendous and humiliating'' ordeal after the surgery went wrong.

The mother-of-one opted for breast enhancement after suffering from low self-esteem over the size and shape of her breasts.

She chose the clinic in Tunisia, where she underwent the surgery in 2009, after finding it on the internet.

After coming back home, Ms Chapman had to return to the Tunisian clinic as she was disappointed with the results which she felt had left her breasts uneven.

After the corrective procedure in May 2009, Ms Chapman was in agony when she arrived back in the UK and her left breast exploded when she had a shower.

Ms Chapman was rushed to hospital where she underwent surgery to close the wound and fight the infection. She also went on to have two further operations to replace the implants and repair the scar.

Ms Chapman said:

''I'd been deeply unhappy about my figure for years and didn't take the decision to have the breast surgery lightly.

''I looked on the internet and, when I came across the clinic in Tunisia, it seemed professional so I made the decision to go.

''It's now one of the biggest regrets of my life.

''After both operations, the staff seemed more bothered about getting cash from me than providing me with any after-care or support.

''I was in absolute agony after the second operation and knew something wasn't right, but when I called the clinic for advice no-one could help.

''It was horrendous.

''I took a hot shower to try and relieve the pain and was absolutely horrified when my breast burst open.

''I couldn't believe what was happening to me.

''It's taken three years of reconstructive surgery to repair the wound and reduce the scarring and I now feel more self-conscious than ever before, it's been very humiliating.

''I hope my story acts as a warning to anyone else considering having cosmetic surgery abroad.

''If I could turn back the clock I would not have had the operation there and would have spent more time looking into the potential risks that come with having surgery at a foreign clinic.''

Sandeep Aujla, a specialist in injury abroad cases at Irwin Mitchell solicitors, said that they had secured a five-figure compensation claim from the credit card company that Ms Chapman used to pay for the surgery.

She said:

''Unfortunately, we see many clients who have travelled abroad to undergo surgery and suffered problems.

''The problems suffered by Alison are increasingly common and can have terrible consequences.

''Patients can be left paying out thousands more than private surgery in the UK would cost as a result of a foreign clinic's mistakes.''